“For our Learning.” Rom. 15.
By J. H. W.
“And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh, that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” 2 Sam. 15: 2-6. The course of Absalom was so manifestly wrong, that it seems astonishing that men were so easily led astray by him. We notice that human nature is the same in all ages, both in the deceiver and deceived. 1. Absalom rose early, and stood beside the way of the gate. It was at the gate that judges sat to hear cases, and he rose early, to take advantage of all whose anxiety for redress should hasten them forth at that hour. 2. He sought to such as “had a controversy.” He well knew that in their tried state of mind, under the excitement of feeling, he could more readily gain ascendancy over them. 3. He decided in their favor, without hearing the cases. When this is done, it is always evidence of a weak mind or of a designing spirit. We blame them that reject, or decide against, anything without hearing it. We should likewise beware of them that indorse without hearing. 4. He threw out insinuations against the government of his father to those whose minds were tried with personal difficulties, and who, already restless, might be molded to his purpose. 5. But he reveals the object he had in view, though he “sugar-coated” it with a professed love of justice: “Oh, that I were made judge in the land!” Self-gratification lay at the bottom of all these fair speeches. 6. To make the deception more pleasing and sure, “When any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.” And so he “stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” But Absalom was not alone in the wrong. They who suffered their hearts to be stolen by such flimsy pretences, were guilty of the same selfishness and ingratitude. David had been a faithful friend and servant to Israel from his youth up. Unlike Absalom, he won the hearts of the people by noble deeds of daring in their defense, instead of stealing them by flattery. What had Absalom ever done to prove his sincerity, and regard for their rights? Nothing. His base treatment of his father might have opened their eyes. But they loved the deception. Fools prefer a pleasing falsehood to an unpleasant truth. It was so with Eve. God had surrounded her with a profusion of substantial benefits, but she gave them all up for one lie told by one who had never done her any benefit at all. Would that she were alone in her folly! All are not reformers who talk of reform. Absalom is not the only one who has insinuated against government to get the power into his own hands. I knew an individual who professed present truth, who was always cautioning his brethren to beware of “the management of Battle Creek.” “They wanted to rule! We must be free,” &c., &c. And when any step was taken that did not suit his mind, he said, “They have not consulted me!” And then he would strike for sympathy to himself. Were not the eyes of all opened by this course? No! Their hearts were “stolen,” not “won.” They could not see that his opposition to authority was because it was not all in his own hands, or did not tend to his own elevation. It is easier to show a love of power, than to show ability to guide matters with discretion. They who were moved by selfishness, and preferred misrule to the peace and welfare of Israel, followed Absalom. They who regarded the authority of God, and wept over the misfortunes of Israel, remained with “the Lord’s anointed.” It is easier to keep out of wrong than to get out when once in it. Reproof does but little good, with those who are so blind and foolish as to think they can get out of difficulty by running into sin! Who is wise enough to profit by the experience of others?